Did the deceased leave a will? In Belgium, you find out quickly through the Central Register of Wills (CRT), a database managed by the Belgian Federation of Notaries (Fednot) that lists all registered wills.
The Central Register of Wills (CRT)
The CRT does not contain the wills themselves but data about their existence: date, type (notarial, holographic, international), notary office holding the original. You then know which notary to ask.
Since 2009, all Belgian notaries must register wills in the CRT. For older wills, registration may be missing.
Who can consult the CRT?
During the testator's lifetime: only the testator and their notary.
After death:
- heirs (presumed or known);
- the notary handling the estate;
- the FPS Finance when drawing up the certificate of inheritance.
In practice, the notary or FPS queries the CRT during the standard procedure. You rarely need to act yourself.
How to request a CRT search yourself
- Send a written request (with the death certificate and proof of kinship) to Fednot.
- Cost: about 15 euros.
- After 1 to 2 weeks you receive the list of registered wills.
- With that information, contact the holding notary for a copy or consultation.
What if no will is found?
The legal devolution then applies: the Civil Code designates the heirs and their share. See inheriting without a will for the order of succession.
Important: even with no CRT registration, a holographic will may sit at home. Search the desk, the safe and the bank safe (after unfreezing) of the deceased.
Types of will
| Type | Description | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Notarial | Drafted by a notary with witnesses | Notary office |
| Holographic | Fully handwritten, dated and signed | Often at home or with a trusted person |
| International | Per UNIDROIT convention, for expats or assets in several countries | Notary |
A holographic will must, to be enforceable, be deposited and homologated at a notary after the death.
What is usually in a will
A Belgian will mainly arranges:
- specific legacies (sums, items, real estate);
- universal legacies (a share or the whole to someone);
- exclusions or special advantages for certain heirs;
- an executor who follows up;
- funeral clauses or life-insurance beneficiaries.
Important limit: reserved heirs (children, partner) have a minimum legal share in Belgium that cannot be removed by will.
Nalenta and your will search
In Nalenta you record whether a will was found. The platform then routes you to the correct procedure (notary deed) or adapts the calculation based on the distribution. For the procedure see certificate or deed of inheritance.